How many cyclists are out there?

**cmcbeth** · 3rd October 13, 08:19 PM

Cyclist here..both skinny tire - did two century rides this year in addition to 60 miles/week commuting and another 30-40 weekend - and MTB on my 29er hard tail doing single track here in UT and a Telluride holiday. In addition, I ride a BMW K1200GT motorcycle...guess I'm addicted to two-wheel travel.

**ForresterModern** · 5th October 13, 03:08 PM

Roller here too. Yet another of the addictions. Mostly roadie these days with a couple centuries or metrics per year and our annual 2day 150 mile charity ride in Wiscosin in memory of my wife's first son, who died of leukemia twelve years ago. As with every hobby I tend to dive right in and learn everything there is to know about it, now building my own bikes frame up because I am finicky about what i ride and a tough fit for off the rack. Road, commute/trekking, rails trails, and mountain bikes in the stable although my mtn bike has not seen as much use of late. That may change as I just recently found some new trails nearby. Wife and I used to ride both on and off road together, but The Boy and Wife's back and hip surgery have limited our time out together (baby sitters can get darn expensive when you may be out for several hours several times a week) so I mostly ride solo road training these days.

Same issues with the hills and the weight as time and miles go by. For the dedicated roadies out there, though, I have found a little bit of magic can help out a lot. Because most off the rack bikes have wheels that are crap compared to the rest of the components, investing in a good set of wheels makes a big difference. Then upgrading those wheels even further by swapping in hybrid ceramic bearings can turn your dragginass into a real hill climber, besides making the flats smoother and easier and the downhills downright frighteningly fast.

Keep riding', keep Rollin', and keep the rubber side down .

**James Hood** · 6th October 13, 06:42 AM

Aye, 'owned and ridden since being a wee lad.

Auld Schwinn Sierra "mountain bike" does not get as much use as it should, tho it is clean and tires filled, helmet and gloves hanging from the bars.

Time for an autumn morning ride, thank you!

Best of health!

(Oh and BTW, 'am another Tiki culture enthusiast!!!)

**brewerpaul** · 6th October 13, 09:38 AM

Started running in 1982 and then serious biking in 1983. Lots of miles logged in doing both. The best part about the riding is what you can do with it. Two years ago Jennifer and I did a self guided bike tour of the Highlands of Scotland. That has been one of my most enjoyable vacations ever. Not only were we by ourself, self guided means no group, but we really enjoyed seeing the Highlands by the bike. People in cars were curteous and we only had one day of constant rain. I recommend it to anyone.

**mookien** · 6th October 13, 12:26 PM

That sounds like a magnificent way to spend time. Good for you, and Jennifer.

**crash** · 16th October 13, 08:19 AM

I started riding seriously 33 years ago at age 22 in an effort to lose weight and get into shape to road race motorcycles. Since then I have continued to ride for fitness on and off. Most recently riding helped me to shed 70 lbs. My training partner has recently retired so she is keen to ride every day. Our regular training ride is about 75 km or about 45 miles but we'll ride further if we feel like it. My personal short ride is a 31 km time trial I try to complete in under an hour.

**mac** · 18th October 13, 12:00 AM

Yep
I live in london, england.
I cycle to/from work a between 1 and 4 days a week, its 7 miles each way so just a 'nice' distance to get excersize
but not be a super effort. it takes me around 35-40 minutes. when i get the train+bus or tube it takes me a minimum of 45 minutes. so its quicker too!!

not kilted though.
BUT i get changed into one at work after a shower.

**chemist93** · 20th October 13, 11:12 AM

It's a bit dangerous here in rush hour, but folks are usually out on the weekends. We have more mtn. bike designed trails here than before. Ten years ago it was use hiking trails and hope you didn't run into a hiker. This is Burke and Avery counties, for the folks who've been here before. I need to be back recreationally, it would give me a break from clowns. Here's one for those that bike in the mountains: Pedal faster, I hear banjo music.

**madmacs** · 21st October 13, 06:22 AM

Well century completed yeasterday... Yeah me!

1 flat 20 miles in, another 17 after that... First tube which I had repaired had a second hole close to the first, second patch didnt do too well on it... Back to the other tune which I had put in which had a slow leak, and pumping it up every half mile or so for about 10 miles... I think I should get the prize for perseverance if nothing else... Lol

I took my kilt to switch into for the after party, but oil and taking so long to get a new tube ruled that out... Oh well there's always next time... Lol

**mookien** · 21st October 13, 09:07 AM

Congratulations!, on finishing and for your perseverance. Did you ride a century or half-century? Your reported mileage adds up to 47 miles. Or, did you turn around and ride back on flat tires?